Vaccination drive targeting infants under 6 months old against bronchiolitis in the region of Andalucia
In the southern region of Spain, Andalucia, the third immunisation campaign against bronchiolitis is set to begin on September 22, 2025. This campaign, launched by the Andalusian Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs, aims to protect infants during the high-risk winter season, reducing the risk of hospitalisation and easing pressures on both families and the Spanish healthcare system.
Last year's immunisation campaign achieved a record 95.3% coverage rate, with over 55,000 infants vaccinated. As a result, bronchiolitis-related hospital admissions in children fell by around 2,000 cases, an 80% reduction compared to previous years.
The 2025-2026 campaign offers access to one of the most advanced RSV prevention programmes in Europe for expat families raising young children in Andalucia. The region expects to vaccinate approximately 60,000 infants with nirsevimab, a medication proven safe and effective in preventing serious illness.
The campaign targets babies under six months of age, who are most at risk for RSV infections. Babies born prematurely (under 35 weeks) and children under two years with serious chronic conditions are also eligible for the vaccine. Parents of babies born from April 1, 2025, are being contacted for appointments, while infants born before April 1, 2025, who meet the criteria can also receive the vaccine.
Babies born between September 22, 2025, and March 31, 2026, will be vaccinated in maternity wards before discharge. Symptoms of bronchiolitis start like a cold but can worsen to wheezing or severe breathing problems, sometimes requiring hospitalisation. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of bronchiolitis.
RSV infections peak during autumn and winter, making the immunisation campaign crucial in protecting infants during the high-risk season. Expats are urged to accept the immunisation invitation to protect their infants from bronchiolitis. The Andalusian Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all infants in the region.
Andalucia purchased 73,000 doses of nirsevimab for the 2025-2026 bronchiolitis immunisation campaign with a €15.8 million budget. The first immunisation campaign against bronchiolitis in Andalucia was launched in 2023, marking a significant step forward in the region's efforts to combat the disease.
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